Country first: Zelenskyy offers to step down for NATO deal and peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that he would be willing to step down from his position in exchange for peace in Ukraine or immediate NATO membership.

“If it is peace for Ukraine, and if you really want me to leave my post, I’m ready,” Zelenskyy said during a press conference in Kyiv. “Alternatively, I can trade this for NATO membership if such conditions exist immediately, so we don’t have lengthy discussions. I’m focusing on Ukraine’s security today, not in 20 years. And I don’t intend to stay in power for decades.”

Major concession amid tensions with Trump

Zelenskyy’s statement comes amid escalating tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. Their public feud intensified last week after Trump claimed the Ukrainian leader was responsible for starting the war—despite the fact that Russia launched a full-scale invasion in 2022.

Zelenskyy fired back, accusing Trump of living in a “disinformation bubble” and parroting Kremlin propaganda. Trump responded by calling him a “dictator” and a “modestly successful comedian.”

When asked about Trump’s remarks, Zelenskyy took a diplomatic approach. “We are partners, and I want him on our side,” he told reporters.

Pressed further about Trump’s insults, Zelenskyy remained pragmatic. “There is no space for emotions,” he said. “I can’t call these words a compliment, but what can I do? I am the elected president by 73% of Ukrainian people. After martial law, there will be elections. Perhaps he will say something good about me then.”

U.S.-Russia negotiations continue without Ukraine

The feud between the two leaders comes as the U.S. and Russia have resumed high-level talks, with several senior Trump administration officials—including Secretary of State Marco Rubio—meeting with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia.

Trump has pledged to broker peace but downplayed Zelenskyy’s role in negotiations. “I don’t think he’s very important to be at meetings, to be honest with you,” Trump told Fox News Radio. “He’s been there for three years. He makes it very hard to make deals. But look what’s happened to his country—it’s been demolished.”

Zelenskyy rejects backroom deals

Earlier this month, during the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that he would never accept a peace deal negotiated between the U.S. and Russia without Ukraine’s involvement.

“I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine, never,” he said. “This is the war in Ukraine, against us, and it’s our human losses.”

As tensions mount and negotiations move forward, Zelenskyy’s latest statement signals a potential turning point—but whether it leads to peace or further political maneuvering remains to be seen.